SEOS Zephyr Build

As I have started to build my zephyrs, I figured it was about time to start my own build thread. This is my first attempt at DIY speakers, and so feel free to point out errors or provide ideas along the way!

First, I would like to thank Erich, and all of the people who have contributed to the SEOS project. I would have NEVER attempted to build my own speakers without Erich's work (and flat packs). He has also been patient with my insane questions, of which there have been many. And its true, his packing job is outstanding. It shows a serious pride in his work.

I live in a small apartment that is slowly being overtaken by home theater gear. My current room is ~12x15, and serves as my living room and kitchen. I have a 100" screen set up with an Epson 5010. I cant make any serious modifications to the room, so I have to make a lot of compromises. I am at least a year away from home ownership (wife out of the country, not going to buy a house without her input!), so my room is what it is for now.

I am upgrading from an older Paradigm studio setup, which has served me well for several years, but its time to pass them along to a friend who is starting up a home theater, and give myself an upgrade.

So... On to the speakers.... I ordered the Zephyr kits and flatpacks, and they just arrived yesterday.



And of course, I dug right in...






And I could not resist a quick mock up...



Tonight I should be able to make more progress on gluing up the flatpacks. Java's video was a huge help as an assembly guide.

The plan is to add a third as soon as these two are built, and then add a pair of dayton 18's with flatpacks, and then most likely the alchemy's as surrounds.

The speakon connectors are on their way (thanks Gorilla83 for the part number help), and the duratex will be ordered today.

I do not, I have been looking at an omnimic package, but I also have a friend with one here in town, so I could always attempt to borrow his. If I end up going all out as I plan to do with multiple subs, etc, I will have to get some measurement gear to get the most out of all of it.

if anyone is on the fence about using Erich's flat packs, get them! It is clear a lot of thought went into the design, and they go together so easily

No pictures as I am still at work, however each enclosure has one side glued on, and I will be adding the front baffle's tomorrow morning before I head to work. At this rate, I believe I can finish the two enclosures in about 3 days (it could be done quicker, but I have limited clamps, and limited time with my work schedule). Either way, it is significantly faster than I could have ever done without the flatpacks.

One question, I am torn between Jeff B's Alchemy for surrounds, or one of the 10" kits. Any thoughts if I have the room for either? Part of me thinks the alchemy's may match the zephyrs a bit more since they are from the same designer, however there are clear advantages (efficiency , bass extension) with the larger 10" models.

The included bracing is awesome, and there is a double front baffle that gives you a 1.5" thick front.

The enclosures are all but done being glued up. now to sand, fill, sand, and paint...

The duratex is scheduled to arrive today, so I spent some time prepping the enclosures for paint yesterday. One is ready to go, the other needs the final coat of fillter sanded

Does anyone have any tips for Duratex painting if I am looking for minimal texture. From what I have read, I will want to use a wide, smooth foam roller with thinner coats, perhaps lightly sanding between coats? Orange peel is what I am looking for...

Securing the driver to the enclosure, are people using the supplied wood screws? Should I use T Nuts? Thoughts? MDF scares me (in its ability to hold threads tightly over time), but if everyone says it is ok, i will go for it!

Yes, yes they will, especially as I am about to pull the trigger on a third Zephyr (for the center), as well as 2x 4 cubic foot enclosures for some dayton 18's! I am lucky in that I work 2nd shift, so that most of my neighbors are gone during the day when I am up and watching movies. That alone may save me from eviction.

Anyone see any issues with these?

Just finished these. They are game changing good. I'm off to go listen more, but I will write more tomorrow

Terrible pics, but hey, I'm busy listening

You know how everyone says that the volume is deceving on these? For the first time in two years the lady upstairs pounded on the floor for me to be quiet... The low end is no joke on these things, I am running them full range, and they are making my 12" paradigm sub look bad.